One health risk that’s common for dogs is being exposed to kennel cough (also known as infectious Tracheobronchitis in dogs). There are a number of viruses and bacteria that can cause tracheobronchitis in dogs. In fact, it’s common that the cause is a mixture of both viruses AND bacteria.
What is Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis?
The most common viruses include: Canine parainfluenza virus and canine adenovirus types 1 and 2. The most important organism that can cause kennel cough is a bacteria named Bordetella Bronchiseptica. If a dog has one or more of these organisms, he’ll get serious inflammation in his bronchi and trachea as well as a severe infection. Symptoms may last four days up to two weeks. However, most dogs will have symptoms 7-10 days after they have been exposed.
Is Tracheobronchitis Contagious?
Yes, kennel cough is extremely contagious. A dog coughing after boarding is a common occurrence.
Can Kennel Cough Kill My Dog?
Think of canine kennel cough as similar to the human flu. Senior, sick and very dogs can suffer severe health issues after contracting canine infectious tracheobronchitis.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
The most typical symptom is a deep sounding honking-like cough that seems to hit quickly. The cough doesn’t usually produce anything and your dog may look like he’s dry retching, a problem in itself. He’ll have coughing fits and then it will settle and become minor bouts. Coughing may become aggravated by activity, drinking water or when moving from places with different temperatures. E.g. a warm to a cool environment or the other way around.
Most dogs that have kennel cough will behave normally except for the coughing. They’ll also eat normally. However, a dog may have a higher temperature reading (as high as 105°F), lose his appetite and have a nasal discharge.
Kennel Cough Treatment
You generally don’t need to treat your dog because the infection usually disappears on its own within 10 days. However, some dogs may cough for as long as three weeks. If the symptoms are severe, you may need to consult your vet and get medication to help settle the problem. If the cough is productive, let it continue (provided it doesn’t affect his ability to sleep and rest) because this can clear debris and inflammation. If the cough is productive and so annoying that your dog can’t get enough rest, a cough suppressant is indicated.
What Can I Give My Dog For Wheezing?
My dog is wheezing what can i do? You can use some over-the-counter human cough medicine ( please check with your vet first) or put some honey on a bread slice and the cough should settle. If not, consult your vet because more serious medications may be required. Antibiotics will be necessary, especially if his temperature is high for more than a couple of days. However, remember that antibiotics will only stop bacterial causes.
The body’s natural defence systems will combat the viruses, in the same way they do in people. If the medications don’t work or the symptoms become worse, the dog should be taken to the vet to be reassessed.
My Dog has Kennel Cough, How Long To Isolate?
Kennel cough can occur as part of more severe respiratory diseases and will need a more detailed diagnostic plan and treatment regimen.
Kennel Cough Quarantine Period
The dog has to be isolated from other dogs so it’s not spread. Organisms spread mainly on drops of water in the air and directly between dogs when they make contact.
A vet generally recommends kennel cough quarantine period for the sick dog until there has not been any coughing for a minimum of seven to 10 days. So it doesn’t spread, the ventilation in the dog’s kennel needs to be increased to the point where the air is being swapped 12-15 times each hour. Humidity should be kept under 50% if at all possible. Crates, kennels and dishes must be washed thoroughly with powerful disinfectants and then let completely dry before they’re next used.
Does a Dog Need Kennel Cough Vaccine?
Can a dog get kennel cough if vaccinated? The answer here is yes, it all depends of the strain of spreading and which tracheobronchitis virus protection is offered in the vaccination.
Some vaccines can prevent kennel cough. These can be given as nasal drops or as an injection. The nasal drops seem to give a higher amount of protection. Obviously no vaccine is perfect, they apparently have the capacity to reduce kennel cough. In most cases, kennel cough is only a minor problem for dogs but it can quickly become more severe and spread in groups quickly if ignored.
All dog owners need to understand how they can prevent this debilitating disease and also how to reduce its ability to spread. It’s unfair to make other dogs sick if you take your infected dog for walks, present him at shows or let him play with other dogs.
Can My Dog Get Kennel Cough From Vaccine?
No, a dog cannot get kennel cough from the vaccine. Some dogs might be a little unwell for a day or so after the vaccine.
Kennel Cough Natural Remedies
Here are some natural remedies that can be used to boost your dog’s immune system and battle any infections he may have during a kennel cough outbreak.
Vitamin C
Use it three times per day (250 mgs for small dogs). If you already use this regularly, then that’s very good. This should be added to whatever dose you currently use and should be spread out through the day.
Herbal Tinctures
Echinacea. Give him a few drops three times each day, either in his mouth or on his food.
Golden Seal. The same applies as with Echinacea.
Colloidal Silver
1-2 drops three times per day either in his water or food.
To specifically fight the kennel cough virus:
Homeopathic Remedies
(they work when the right remedy and symptoms are matched, regardless of how potent the remedy is).
Bryonia. 1-2 pellets three times per day. Dog can’t eat for 10 minutes before and after taking the pellets. You can get this from most health food stores in a 6C or 6X strength and that’s an ok but if you can get 30C, that’s stronger.
Drosera. Used the same as Bryonia.
If your dog has an irritated/sore throat, a teaspoon (small to medium size dog) or tablespoon (for a larger dog) of honey three times every day will help.
How to Help a Wheezing Dog
What Owners Can Do to Help With Kennel Cough:
Avoid letting your dog be around second hand smoke and keep him in an even level humidity environment.
- Eliminate exposure to second hand smoke.
- Maintain humidity in the environment.
If you ever have concerns about your dog’s health, contact your vet. As with people, catching problems early means they can be treated faster and make a complete recovery.
Can You Walk a Dog With Kennel Cough?
Think of canine tracheobronchitis as the canine version of the human flu. Your dog is going to be feeling miserable. So plenty of rest and not being taking for walks will help your dog recover.
Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding the medical condition of your dog. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on ANY website.
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